Heavenly Sundays: The Balloon Festival in Capdepera invites you — free to fly along

When Mallorca's sky becomes the city’s wallpaper

If you’re craving something different at the end of October than beach and tapas, set your alarm early — or at least look up. From October 22 to 26 the International Balloon Festival will transform the area around Capdepera into a small air theatre: about 25 balloons from more than ten countries are expected, some simply round and beautiful, others in shapes that make you smile (Yes, there will be an oversized ice cream and a piglet.).

When and how to join

The pilots plan two launches per day: once around 8:00 a.m. for sunrise and a second time in the late afternoon, around 6:00 p.m., when the sun is already low. More precise launch sites will be announced at short notice — usually two hours before take-off via the organizers' social media channels. So: keep your phone charged.

The festival officially begins on October 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Hotel Cap Vermell and ends on October 26 with an evening show from around 5:00 p.m. in Capdepera. Fire, light and music provide a very Mallorcan ending — loud, colorful and somehow charmingly chaotic.

Want to fly along? Yes, if it fits

Good news: free passenger rides are also offered. But beware — seats are scarce, pilots decide based on wind and ballast. If you want to play it safe: arrive early, ask politely, and bring a warm jacket. Wind can change plans within minutes; rain, on the other hand, would stop the action.

International pilots come from Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Lithuania, England, Switzerland, Latvia and the USA. A highlight: a French pilot who became world champion in 2008 is announced. About a third of the teams are women — you can tell when the baskets are set up.

Practical tips: Parking around Cala Rajada fills up quickly, a coffee at the harbor wakes you up, and the walk to the launch field is best in the morning light. Honestly: It’s a bit like the old days when you were the only one who had such Sunday ideas. This time, we’re sharing them all.